Before I left for Ecuador, my dad told me, “Valerie, bring the light of Jesus to that place.”
Those words have stayed with me every single day. Over and over throughout this trip, I have heard the same message in my heart: Be the light. Share the light.
As our time here comes to an end, I can honestly say that God’s light has not only shone through us, but it has transformed us from within.
It is one thing to say “yes” to God’s call—to leave the comfort of your home and routine, but what’s harder is saying “ciao” to the people God places in your life because of that “yes.” Over the week, we have built relationships that words cannot fully describe and formed bonds that will last long after we return home.
There has been plenty of sweat, thankfully no blood, and not too many tears, but an abundance of beauty in every moment. It has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life, one that could only have been written by the hand of God.
Throughout this week, we have lived out E91’s mission of helping people take their next steps with Jesus. We have talked with people about the love of Christ, shown them His grace through service, and even witnessed a baptism in the Pacific Ocean.
At times, we visited areas that were difficult and heavy with need. Yet through it all, I felt an overwhelming sense of God’s protection surrounding us. Every step, every encounter, every home we entered was covered by His presence and peace. There was never a moment when I doubted that He was near.
One of the most powerful parts of this experience has been witnessing the deep respect the people here have for their pastor. In every neighborhood and conversation, you can feel the reverence and love they hold for him. He is truly a shepherd in their community, guiding with humility, strength, and faithfulness. Seeing how he is honored reminded me of what true spiritual leadership looks like, a reflection of Christ Himself.
Though the language barrier was sometimes challenging, love required no translation. We discovered the universal language of compassion, kindness, and shared faith. I now know what it means to have a global family in Christ.
Last night, with the help of our Co-Leader, missionary, and translator Doug (aka Diego iykyk), I shared my testimony for the first time. In that moment, I could feel God’s presence so strongly, reminding me that my story is not really mine—it belongs to Him.
There is no way to fully express the depth of this experience, the warmth of the people, the richness of the culture, and the power of God moving in every moment. You can only truly understand it when your feet are on the ground, when you are sitting in their homes, tasting their food, and sharing in their joy.
As we prepare to go home, I keep thinking about my dad’s words. They were not just encouragement; they were a calling. Because every smile, every prayer, and every act of love has reminded me that the light of Jesus does not just travel with us, it changes us.
My prayer as you have read this:
Father, thank You for bringing us to Ecuador and for the people we have met, the laughter we have shared, and the love we have been able to give. Thank You for trusting us with this piece of Your Kingdom work. Thank You for Your protection in every place You sent us, and for the light that continues to shine in this community through their faithful pastor and the people he leads. May we carry that same light home, reflecting Jesus wherever we go. Amen.
Those words have stayed with me every single day. Over and over throughout this trip, I have heard the same message in my heart: Be the light. Share the light.
As our time here comes to an end, I can honestly say that God’s light has not only shone through us, but it has transformed us from within.
It is one thing to say “yes” to God’s call—to leave the comfort of your home and routine, but what’s harder is saying “ciao” to the people God places in your life because of that “yes.” Over the week, we have built relationships that words cannot fully describe and formed bonds that will last long after we return home.
There has been plenty of sweat, thankfully no blood, and not too many tears, but an abundance of beauty in every moment. It has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life, one that could only have been written by the hand of God.
Throughout this week, we have lived out E91’s mission of helping people take their next steps with Jesus. We have talked with people about the love of Christ, shown them His grace through service, and even witnessed a baptism in the Pacific Ocean.
At times, we visited areas that were difficult and heavy with need. Yet through it all, I felt an overwhelming sense of God’s protection surrounding us. Every step, every encounter, every home we entered was covered by His presence and peace. There was never a moment when I doubted that He was near.
One of the most powerful parts of this experience has been witnessing the deep respect the people here have for their pastor. In every neighborhood and conversation, you can feel the reverence and love they hold for him. He is truly a shepherd in their community, guiding with humility, strength, and faithfulness. Seeing how he is honored reminded me of what true spiritual leadership looks like, a reflection of Christ Himself.
Though the language barrier was sometimes challenging, love required no translation. We discovered the universal language of compassion, kindness, and shared faith. I now know what it means to have a global family in Christ.
Last night, with the help of our Co-Leader, missionary, and translator Doug (aka Diego iykyk), I shared my testimony for the first time. In that moment, I could feel God’s presence so strongly, reminding me that my story is not really mine—it belongs to Him.
There is no way to fully express the depth of this experience, the warmth of the people, the richness of the culture, and the power of God moving in every moment. You can only truly understand it when your feet are on the ground, when you are sitting in their homes, tasting their food, and sharing in their joy.
As we prepare to go home, I keep thinking about my dad’s words. They were not just encouragement; they were a calling. Because every smile, every prayer, and every act of love has reminded me that the light of Jesus does not just travel with us, it changes us.
My prayer as you have read this:
Father, thank You for bringing us to Ecuador and for the people we have met, the laughter we have shared, and the love we have been able to give. Thank You for trusting us with this piece of Your Kingdom work. Thank You for Your protection in every place You sent us, and for the light that continues to shine in this community through their faithful pastor and the people he leads. May we carry that same light home, reflecting Jesus wherever we go. Amen.